News

Tax-funded shows in time clash

Taken from NZ Herald, by Bevan Hurley.

Two flagship Kiwi TV shows that received $11 million of taxpayer funding will screen head-to-head after a last-ditch plea from New Zealand On Air to reschedule them was rejected.

TV3's Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud, which debuts next Wednesday night, will go up against TV One's Nothing Trivial in the primetime slot of 8.30pm.

NZ On Air's chief executive Jane Wrightson met TV3 chiefs on Friday to try and avoid setting the two big budget shows on a collision course.

Wrightson said she was disappointed a compromise couldn't be reached, but added there was no hint that the networks had deliberately scheduled the shows to clash.

"It's a fiercely competitive environmet amongst the networks but I don't think it's toxic. I am convinced there weren't any underhand tactics involved and if there were it would be a different story. We are dissapointed they will be screening together but we understand the positions of both parties. There could have been more thought there."

Read the full article here.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Laurel Devenie

Taken from The Common Critic, by Sylvia Giles.

We were introduced to Laurel Devenie in the ATC's recent production, On The Upside-Down of the World, but she's been making theatre in and around Auckland for years. We turned her upside down, gave her a gentle shakes and saw what theatre picks fell out.

1. Young and Hungry 2011

I'm really excited to see these three shows: Cow, Tigerplay and Disorder. I directed one of the Young and Hungry plays last year (Thinning by Eli Kent) and it was such a wonderful and joyous project to be part of it. I can't wait to see what this year has in store. The sheer numbers of those involved means you can't help but be infected by the creative energy and spark which flies around on and off stage at the Young and Hungry festival.

The ferocious talent and hungry creative bounce oozes out of the basement during this period. This year's lineup is really exciting with three great directors, Abby Greenwood, Jackie van Beek and Ben Crowder, who all have distinctly different theatrical flavours, leading a large bunch of fantastic new actors and designers in combination with prestigious playwrights, Gary Henderson, Jo Randerson and Tom Sainsbury. And they are short and snappy - 50 minutes each! Perfect.

Playing at The Basement, July 23 - August 6.

2. A Thousand Hills by Mike Hudson

I'm excited to see what writer Mike Hudson and director Margaret-Mary Hollins turn up in their next production, A Thousand Hills, part of the Stamp season. This piece has been in development for a while now and is based on the remarkable experiences of the 1994 Rwandan genocide of Francois Byamana and his connection to a NZ Red Cross worker.

Alongside the intriguing and important story it looks like there'll be a host of African music to accompany the piece and no doubt Margaret-Mary's signature touch of integrated design and beautifully visual storytelling. I saw Hudson's and Margaret-Mary's production of Beautiful Losers several years ago at Bats when I was in my first year of drama school and it completely blew me away. Can't wait to see what this writer/director team come up with this time, in the potent context of A Thousand Hills.

Playing at the Herald Theatre, 20 - 30 October.

3. Yours Truly by Albert Belz

Albert Belz is such an exciting New Zealand writer and this is a chillind and dynamic piece that I have both watched and performed in. It is a juicy script, thought provoking and engaging and this team of creatives will no doubt deliver something spine tingling and bold. The play has only been performed in Wellington and Whangarei and it's about time Auckland had a go.

Directed by Anders Falstie-Jensen from The Rebel Alliance and has a stellar cast - Sam Snedden, Andi Crown, Dena Kennedy, Todd Emerson, Sophie Henderson to name a few. Can't wait to see this one.

Playing at The Basement, September 22 - October 22.

4. The End of the Golden Weather by Bruce Mason

I've never seen the solo version of this play but Ian Mune's film, which came out when I was quite young, is an absolute favourite of mine. Heartbreaking and mesmerising: "I invite you to join me in a voyage into the past, to that territory of the heart we call childhood."

I'm so excited to see this classic retold in ensemble by such a diverse bunch of actors - Sophie Roberts, Byron Cole, Tim Carlson, Dena Kennedy ... graaaah! The whole cast is very exciting and I can't wait to see what they do with it.

Playing at The Maidment, September 1 - 24.

5. I Love you Bro, by Silo Theatre

Sophie Roberts, who was at drama school around the same time I was, is such an exciting and bold theatre-maker. Everything she touches seems to glide to fruition gracefully and vividly in an undeniably unique result - always with such precision and ease and a punch in the stomach (the best kind of theatre!). She has been heavily involved in the solo making process at Toi Whakaari in the last few years, assisting graduating students to begin to articulate themselves theatrically and develop their artistic voices.

I can't wait to see what emerges with the combination of Sophie's delicately pitched directed and performer Tim Carlson, who is also an exciting young actor full of integrity and dynamism. The play promises to be a chilling account of a lonely teenage chatroom addict taken to an extreme he can't escape from.

Playing at the Herald Theatre, July 20 - August 20.

Nothing Trivial ratings smash hit

Taken from Throng.

Last night, smash hit Nothing Trivial set a new millenium record for a New Zealand drama debut on television, with an average 516,300 viewers watching the first episode.

Not since 2000 has a locally-made TV drama rated so spectacularly on its first outing.

As well as being the big winner amongst all New Zealanders 5+, last night Nothing Trivial was the first choice for viewers in TV One's target demographic of 25 - 54 year olds with its 247,100 viewers, out-rating all other channels.

Head of TV One and TV2, Jeff Latch, says the stunning results prove that TVNZ is on the right track in commissioning more Kiwi-made dramas.

"TV One and TV2 are the homes to New Zealand's best local shows. We have a proven track record with Shortland Street and Go Girls, and now Nothing Trivial can sit alongside these ratings winners. We are committed to supporting the local industry and will endeavour to continue to find the most entertaining dramas, documentaries and reality shows so that Kiwis can keep enjoying seeing themselves on our screens."

TVNZ Drama Commissioner Kathleen Anderson, says Nothing Trivial is an endearing insight into the lives of five everyday New Zealanders.

"The success of Nothing Trivial is due to the characters written by the award-winning writers, Rachael Lang and Gavin Strawhan. We can see someone we know in each of the cast and we feel attached to them instantly. The show's success is also thanks to the support from NZ On Air, which contributed $6.9 million to this series, and the talented team at South Pacific Pictures."

Shortland Street's ratings record

Taken from Throng.

Shortland Street's extended winter season concluded last night with 834,200 Kiwis aged 5+ watching, setting a new record ratings for the 2011 episodes.

TV2 easily out-rated all other channels to win its time zone with the feature-length drama.

In the channel's target demographic  of 18-39 year olds, the programme had a stunning 54-percent share. That means Shortland Street's average audience was nearly a quarter of all 18-39 year olds in New Zealand last night.

Head of TV One and TV2, Jeff Latch says that Shortland Street continues to be Kiwis' most watched drama, week after week.

"Shortland Street is the number one drama on television. Audiences can't get enough right now."

Producer Steven Zanoski says the results are due to a dedicated team effort.

"Thanks are owed to all the cast and crew here at Shortland Street for continuing to dedicate their hearts and souls to making this drama a success."

Adding to that success is Amanda Billing's record-breaking cover version of 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn'tve?)' which features in the Shortland Street Winter Season promotion. Amanda's song was the highest debuting Kiwi artist song in the first week of its release earlier this year.

Jeff Latch says, "This is an incredible result given that the song has limited airplay on radio and only featured on the Shortland Street Winter Season promotion. Proof again of the power of quality television drama."

Short+Sweet 2011 Awards

Taken from Short+Sweet Auckland blog.

The gala was a huge success! Our judges were (in no particular order):

Raymond Hawthorne, Lynne Cardy, Cameron Rhodes, Graham Dunster, Robyn Davies, Dionne Christian, Charlotte Ryan, Sarin Moddle, Stuart Hoar and Catherin George.

The awards were given out on the night and ...

SHORT+SWEET AUCKLAND AWARDS

The Short+Sweet Award for Best Overall Production
A Stitch in Time

Best Comedy
A Stitch in Time

Best Drama
The Obituary (featured Auckland Actors' Michael Lowe & Donogh Rees)

Best Independent Theatre Company
Independent Theatre Company

The Playmarket Award for Best NZ Play
The Obituary

The People's Choice Award for the most popular play as voted by audiences
A Stitch in Time

Best Actor
Nic Sampson

Best Actress
Andi Crown

Best Actor Runner Up
Semu Filipo

Best Actress Runner Up
Julia Croft

Best Director
Eryn Wilson

Best New Talent
Kate Lumb

TV Review - Shortland Street

Taken from NZ Herald, by Hugh Sundae.

Oh come on. Who really has a stag do the night before their wedding? Someone who shows no fear. TK Samuels.

It's funny how some shameless-yet-necessary soap-opera tricks annoy you and others you'll defend at dinner parties. Example of the former: is the door open? Someone will appear at the door and see something they weren't meant to. Why can't characters leave the front door open with no apparent consequence from time to time, just to throw us off the scent?

The best example of the latter is Jackie, professional waitress at the IV. I'm pretty sure she's been working there longer than the rest of the staff put together, but the poor girl never seems to get a promotion.

More lines stat!

Actually with Dr Callum McKay's (Peter Mochrie) current interest in a younger woman, coupled with the amount of time he's spending at the IV, it's surprising he hasn't started shagging her. Bet she'd have more to say than "here's your takeaway" then.

But he only has eyes for core-cast. Which is where things began in Shortland Street's second ever feature-length episode. Dr Mid-life-crisis put on his jacket and straightened his shirt, confirming that he has indeed bedded his son's flame, Jill Kingsbury (Natalie Medlock). If either of them felt guilty they weren't showing it. Crazy kids.

Read the full article here.

Hounds

THE DOWNLOW CONCEPT
screening on TV3, August 2011

Hounds is a six part half hour comedy for TV3. Written and directed by thedownlowconcept, Hounds is a sweet and funny insight into the lives of three very different people united by a very skinny dog.

starring Toby Sharpe, Susana Tang, Mick Innes, Josh Thomson, Catherine Waller, Derek Payne, Stephen Ure and Andrew Munro

for more information visit the Hounds Facebook page.

SPP Emerging Writers' Lab Winners Announced

Taken from Script to Screen newsletter.

South Pacific Pictures and Script to Screen were very impressed to receive 175 applications for the South Pacific Pictures Emerging Writers' Lab. The overall quality of the applications was outstanding and made the final selection of applicants an extremely difficult task.

It is our pleasure to announce that Eli Kent, Lucy Zee, Rosetta Allan, Kip Chapman, Luke Hedley, Shoshana McCallum, Miriam Smith, Thomas Sainsbury and Hannah Banks are the successful applicants who will be spending an intensive week learning from the best inside South Pacific Pictures.

Congratulations!

Jonathan Hodge talks Short+Sweet on Nightline

Watch Auckland Actors' Jonathan Hodge talk about Short+Sweet Auckland on Nightline.

Watch it here.

Get to know: Brooke Williams

Taken from TVNZ, Shortland Street.

Brooke Williams joins the cast as new PA Lana Jacobs. Watch our exclusive interview here.

How did you get your role on Shortland Street?
I had actually auditioned for another role a few months before then out of the blue my agent called me and said that I had been offered the role of Lana. It was very exciting!

How long have you been acting, how did you get your big break?
I have been acting since I can remember. To be honest I consider every job I've had to be a big break. I'm a bit of a geek because every project becomes my favourite when I'm working on it!

That being said, I do remember getting my first professional theatre job when I was 17. I got told I had the role and I went into the toilets at the theatre and actually pinched myself because I didn't believe it was real. Then I cried and called my mum. Very Black Swan.

Name three similarities between yourself and your character.
Gosh, that's quite tricky because Lana and I are so, so different. I think we're both really sensitive (although Lana hides it a lot more than I do). We both have a strong sense of responsibility towards our families. We are both arty and like to be creative.

What has been your best experience on the show to date?
I've really loved shooting some of the more heated sister scenes with Virge. Neither of us have a sister so we both had to do some sneaky research observing friends who do. Gabrielle and Lana have such a complex relationship and I am really enjoying exploring that dynamic.

Which other character would you want to be and why?
I think Gabrielle because she is such a wonderful puzzle of contradictions. Strong yet vulnerable, hilarious and yet deeply serious and rational too.

Who is the actor you admire the most?
Craig Parker. He's so talented, so generous and so funny and he has this wonderful ability to make everyone feel comfortable and happy. I aspire to be like him. In lady form.

Which Shorty Street actors do you enjoy working with and why?
I have had most of my scenes so far with Virge, Ido and Kieren and luckily I adore all three. Virge is so focused, and so detailed and delicate in her work. I find it exciting to be in scenes with her because she is incredibly truthful, connected and calm and yet manages to be so disarming and unexpected and fresh in the same moment.

Working with Ido is awesome too because he is extremely generous and humble and hardworking and he carries himself with so much grace and good humour.

And Kieren has a mountain of much craft and experience and is also really funny and chilled out and great to be around on set.

What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work?
I love the regularity of it. And getting to watch and learn from the pros.

Do you watch Shortland Street at home?
I grew up watching Shortland Street and I still do, so yes it will be very strange seeing myself there!

What are your hobbies and interests?
I absolutely adore animals, I can't get enough of them. I actually aspire to be a crazy cat woman. I'm also really into cooking at the moment and am working my way through a gorgeous Thai recipe book that I got last Christmas.

I'm a Shakespeare nerd and I pretty much love anything creative and writing short stories, drawing, papier mache, tea parties, dress ups, making jewellery, making cupcakes ... the list goes on!

What's your favourite destination in NZ and overseas?
In NZ it's the poplar strewn beaches of Lake Wanaka in autumn. That small, those colours, the freshness on your cheeks. I grew up hunting fairies on those beaches and every time I go back I feel that same sense of magic and adventure and potential.

My favourite overseas destination is Amsterdam. Every time I go there I want to bottle the feeling and bring it back to keep under my pillow.

What's your date of birth and what star sign are you?
My birthday is January 3 and I am a Capricorn.

Do you have any pets?
If I wasn't flatting I would have a zoo. Seriously. I just think cuddles from pets are the best ever. My flatmate and I are part time guardians to a gorgeous fat ginger cat called Noodle. He grew up as a stray in a swamp and is not the friendliest most loving creature around. My dream is to have a gang of teacup piglets and call the leader 'Hamlet'.

What is your favourite food?
I go absolutely crazy over macaroni cheese. It sounds weird I know but its so tasty and so reliable. I also love Larb Gai, a Thai dish consisting of minced chicken, ground jasmine rice, heaps of coriander, red onion, and lots of other wonderful goodies. So much flavour, so much texture. Scrumptious.

And for desert I can't go past a good creme brulee with blueberries and rasberries and a tiny bit of cream. Oh now my mouth is watering!!!

Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film Shortland Street?
I have been living in Auckland for four years now and I love it. Before moving to the warm, I was at drama school in Wellington and I am originally from beautiful Christchurch.

What's your strangest fan experience?
After I did Outrageous Fortune I was really surprised that lots of people actually thought I was Russian. I appeared on another show a few months later using my own kiwi accent and I had a shop assistant in a clothing store come up to me and tell me that my New Zealand accent was very good.

It took me a while to work out that after Outrageous she had assumed I was Russian and was puttin on a kiwi accent for the other show. I thought that was quite sweet and totally bizarre. I felt bad to break it to her so I just nodded and smiled. Ha!

What was your first day on Shorty like?
I was pretty nervous but luckily everyone was so lovely and so helpful.